The Tiwi women in Wurrumiyanga, Bathurst Island, with the assistance of Sister Eucharia, created a women-led creative enterprise in 1969 – Bima Wear. The women proudly design,
print and produce garments, homewares and cultural fabric prints. The everyday, occasional and ceremonial garments produced by Bima Wear celebrates the distinct
language, traditional symbols, structures, family and environmental representations that are central to Tiwi culture. Bima Wear holds a significant cultural and social role in the Tiwi
community and produces custom made coffin covers for funerals, ceremonial nagas for men, ceremonial skirts and tops for women, and outfits for religious and sporting events.

The organisation has grown to become a well-regarded and valuable Tiwi art centre, serving to help preserve cultural continuity and provide local Tiwi employment. Bima Wear
creates a safe space for Indigenous Tiwi women of all ages and clans to share knowledge and skills between generations, and support mentorship.

Over the years, Bima Wear has created strong relationships with the neighbouring communities and art centres on the island and in Darwin. The Bima Wear team showcase their work and connect with other Indigenous communities at local events and festivals such as the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

Community Impact

Bima Wear has created an organisation and space that serves local community by enabling access to cultural art and garment, as well as providing employment and training opportunities for Tiwi women on the island.

In 2024, Bima Wear completed the Shop Fitout and Mural project which proudly showcase Tiwi designs on a mural outside of the Bima Wear workshop.

Older women, including founding members of Bima Wear, have been able to pass down cultural knowledge, skills and mentorship to the younger generation through work experience programs.

“[Bima started] sitting under a tree and making leather work.. all these decades later we are still here.”

“I like my job at Bima. My favourite part is helping the other women – the teamwork. I like sewing and helping the older ladies.”

“It is amazing to have Clare [CEDM] with someone who totally knows and understands. Not just understands Bima, but other communities and the broader knowledge of context.”

“Last year we made more money at the Darwin Art Fair than we had in previous years. It was a great to be able to say ‘Bima is Back!’.”

– Bima Wear